I’m a Social Media Entrepreneur, Professor of Digital Marketing, Author of 7 books, Podcaster and an Organic Farmer.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve picked up a small habit that has made a surprisingly deep impact on my everyday life. It’s simple, almost unassuming—but powerful. I’ve started writing down my emotions.

Not journaling about events. Not documenting my day as I dononnthis blog. Just sitting down and writing what I feel.

What I’ve realised is this: emotions lose their chaos when they meet clarity. And clarity often comes through writing.

From Emotional Turbulence to Calm Awareness

Earlier, when someone’s words or actions triggered me, my default response was to sit with it. Brood over it. Replay the scene again and again in my head. Get stuck at victimhood. The mind, when left unchecked, is very good at amplifying pain.

Now, I do something different.

I write.

I ask myself simple but honest questions:

Why am I feeling this way?

What exactly triggered this emotion?

Is it about what the other person said—or what it touched within me?

Can I look at this from their point of view?

Is there something I could have done differently?

What is this situation trying to teach me?

The moment these questions hit paper, something magical happens. The emotion slows down. The intensity reduces. What felt overwhelming suddenly feels… manageable.

Writing doesn’t judge. It listens. And in that space, the mind starts to calm itself.

Writing My Way Through Confusion

This habit has helped me immensely during moments of indecision too.

Whenever I find myself at a crossroads—unable to take a call, mentally rattled, pulled in different directions—I resist the urge to keep thinking in circles. Instead, I write.

I write down:

Where the confusion is coming from

The options available

The pros and cons of each choice

What excites me

What scares me

Putting thoughts on paper removes distractions. It clears the mental fog. And almost every single time, somewhere between the lines, a solution quietly reveals itself. Not forced. Not dramatic. Just… obvious.

Capturing Joy, Not Just Pain

What surprised me the most was how powerful this practice is even during moments of happiness.

When I feel joyful, excited, or deeply content, I now make it a point to write that down too.

What made me feel this way?

What did I do?

Who was involved?

What conditions enabled this feeling?

By doing this, I become more aware of my joy. And awareness is the first step to repetition. When we recognise what truly makes us happy, we can consciously create more of it. Slowly, a positive pattern begins to form.

A Habit Worth Cultivating

Writing down emotions is not about fixing yourself. It’s about understanding yourself.

I’m genuinely grateful to Arun Verma, the founder of Creativegarh from whom I’ve picked up this habit. It has helped me respond instead of react, observe instead of judge, and understand instead of suppress.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, triggered, or even extremely happy—try writing it down.

Not for anyone else. Just for you.

We are thrilled to unveil Creators’ Farm, a brand-new experiential retreat launching at the award-winning Vaksana Farms — a 13-acre organic permaculture farm nestled in the lush countryside of Tamil Nadu.

Creator’s Farm isn’t your typical workshop or online class — it’s a participant-driven unconference designed for creators, by creators. Here, under the shade of mango trees and amidst open fields, creators of all kinds come together to exchange ideas, share insight, and grow their craft in a truly immersive environment.

🧠 What Makes Creator’s Farm Unique

Learn from Peers, Not Just Experts: Everyone contributes — sharing real stories, workflows, strategies, wins, and setbacks. It’s learning born from lived experience.

You Become the Speaker: Like a TEDx format without the pressure — there’s no stage, just heartfelt conversations that inspire and uplift.

Get Featured on The Vaksana Podcast: Every participant receives an interview that’ll be published on YouTube, giving you visibility and a chance to connect with audiences beyond the retreat.

A Tight-Knit Community: With just 12 creators per edition, this is a place to make meaningful connections that last well after the retreat ends.

🎨 Who Should Attend?

Whether you’re an Instagrammer, YouTuber, blogger, podcaster, video editor, vlogger, or storyteller, if you’re passionate about helping your voice evolve and growing alongside like-minded makers, this retreat is for you.

🌿 Life on the Farm

Your ticket includes not just the sessions and podcast interview — it covers your stay, meals, and full farm experience:
✨ Swimming in a natural pond
✨ Feeding friendly animals
✨ Morning walks in organic fields
✨ Slow, meaningful conversations under starry skies
✨ Deep reflection time away from the constant buzz of screens and notifications
All designed to recharge your creativity and sharpen your focus.

📅 Quarterly Editions in 2026

Creator’s Farm will be held quarterly, giving you multiple chances to join:
📅 January 4
📅 April 12
📅 July 12
📅 October 11
Limited to just 12 creators per session — apply early!

💡 How to Join?

You can join either by invitation (free, curated spots) or by purchasing a ticket (₹37,500 + taxes) which includes accommodation, meals, activities, and full retreat access.

Apply now and be part of India’s only truly collaborative creator retreat.

On my mission to slowly shape Vaksana Farms into a soulful, world-class venue for retreats, I’ve been doing something that has become surprisingly meaningful—travelling to different retreats, observing how they’re run, and picking the brains of people who’ve mastered the art.

Yesterday, I met Arun Verma, the founder of Creativegarh, someone who not only designs deeply immersive life transformation retreats but also repeats them successfully across India every month. I asked him a simple question:

“What does it really take to create a great retreat?”

His answers were thoughtful, practical, and rooted in years of hands-on experience. I’m documenting them here—not just for memory, but as guiding principles for the retreats we want to host at Vaksana Farms.

1. The Venue Is the “Third Facilitator”

Arun began with something profound:

Participants choose a retreat not just for the coach or the curriculum—they choose it because of how the place makes them feel. The land, the ambience, the warmth, the energy… it all adds up. Choose a venue with such care and intent the way we would choose a co-facilitator.

This resonated with me deeply because Vaksana has always had a natural charm—the stillness of the mornings, the gentle hum of the animals, the verdant greenery. Hearing this reinforced my belief that nurturing the spirit of the space is as important as designing the retreat content itself.

2. Keep Sessions Indoors to Maintain Energetic Intensity

Arun strongly recommended keeping all sessions indoors.

Closed spaces help “hold the energy” and allow participants to drop deeper into the experience.

This insight will heavily influence the design of our upcoming event hall—warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a cocoon-like feeling where people feel safe to reflect, open up, and share.

3. Separate the Session Room and Dining Area

A simple but powerful learning:

Never conduct sessions in the same place where food is served.

The clinking of utensils, footsteps, kitchen movements—these distractions break the flow instantly. Good retreats are built on uninterrupted focus, and this is a detail we must design for at Vaksana.

4. Plan Retreats Well in Advance

Arun publishes dates for upcoming editions six months ahead. This gives participants time to plan, facilitators time to prepare, and the retreat itself time to gather momentum.

I realised this is something I need to implement—being intentional and proactive in publishing a retreat calendar for Vaksana. That’s a new year resolution for me right there.

5. Food Is Non-Negotiable

One thing Arun said with absolute conviction:

Never compromise on the quality of food.

Food sets the tone. It nurtures, energises, and comforts.

Thankfully, this is one area where Vaksana naturally excels.

With my Mom Kasthuri Amma’s legendary cooking—every meal becomes an experience of its own. Her farm-grown vegetables and soulful cooking are already a retreat highlight. CondeNast Traveller has rated Vaksana among India’s Top Farmstays for food.

6. The Sensory Touches Make a Huge Difference

Arun emphasized the subtle but powerful role of sensory elements:

Soft background music.

Gentle camphor aroma.

Warm lighting.

Small details that soothe, centre, and elevate the experience.

Retreats are not just about what you teach—they’re also about what participants repeatedly feel in the environment.

7. Comfortable Seating Matters More Than You Think

One of the most practical points Arun shared was about seating.

Provide comfortable chairs, cushions, and the option for participants to sit on the floor or sit up on chairs. People should have the freedom to shift postures throughout the day.

This flexibility not only prevents fatigue—it makes the venue feel intimate, cozy, and home-like. I instantly imagined Vaksana’s retreat hall filled with warm cushions and inviting seating options.

8. The Psychology of Pricing: Higher Price = Higher Commitment

This insight was a personal eye-opener.

Arun explained that a higher price actually attracts the right participants—the ones who value the experience, show up sincerely, and remain fully engaged.

When people pay more, they commit more.

I’ve always been hesitant, pricing conservatively out of fear that people may not join. But this made me rethink everything. Pricing is not just economics—it’s psychology. And it influences the whole atmosphere of the retreat.

9. Should All Retreats Be of One Theme? A Valuable Reflection

I shared a dilemma with Arun:

While he focuses only on Creativegarh, I run multiple types of retreats—Bucketlist Bootcamp, The Discomfort Project, Passion Pays, and Staypreneur for Airbnb hosts. Each one is close to my heart, but they are all different.

Arun gave me a brilliant example: The Himalayan Writing Retreat run by Chetan Mahajan.

Chetan offers various retreats—creative writing, poetry, storytelling, fiction, non-fiction—but they all sit beautifully under the umbrella of writing.

That gives coherence to his brand.

I know Chetan personally and been to his retreat venue in Sathkol. (A stunningly beautiful space).

This was a powerful nudge for me to think about how Vaksana’s future retreats can also fall under a unifying theme—still flexible, yet coherent. Something I need to reflect on deeply.

10. Recommendations for My Own Learning Journey

Arun also suggested exploring a retreat hosted by Ameen Haque, the storytelling monk and founder of Storywallahs. He’s conducting a storytelling retreat in January 2026—something I’m now seriously considering. Learning from masters is one of the best ways to shape Vaksana into the retreat space I envision.

Looking Ahead: Vaksana as a Haven for Deep Work and Transformation

Every conversation like this adds another piece to the puzzle.

Retreats are not just events—they’re experiences that change people. They require thoughtful design, patient planning, and a deep understanding of human emotions and group energy.

With Arun Verma’s insights, and with the unique magic that Vaksana already holds, I’m confident we are slowly but surely building something meaningful—a place

where people come to reflect, learn, grow, and reconnect with themselves.

And this journey is just beginning.

There are some moments in life that quietly take your breath away — today was one of them. I’m at Munnar right now, staying at the beautiful Neelakurinji Plantation Resort, and for the first time in my life, I actually saw the Neelakurinji plant and its flowers in person.

For years, Neelakurinji has been a textbook fact for me — “blooms once in 12 years,” the teachers said. It was one of those things I memorised for exams without ever imagining that I’d one day stand in front of the real thing. Later, social media made it look almost mythical with those blue carpets rolling across hill slopes. But nothing prepared me for the quiet thrill of seeing it with my own eyes.

A Flower That Teaches Patience

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is one of nature’s most disciplined timekeepers. It doesn’t care about human schedules, long weekends, or tourist seasons.
It blooms only once every 12 years, as if it wants to remind us that beauty is worth waiting for. The last bloom was in 2018, which means the next grand spectacle will only happen in 2030.

Standing here today, looking at a plant that has its own slow, deliberate rhythm, I was instantly humbled. How many things in life take 12 years to prepare for a moment of glory?

Why It’s Called “Neelakurinji”

The name is beautifully literal — ‘Neela’ meaning blue, and ‘kurinji’ referring to the hill region where it grows.
When thousands bloom together, the hillsides turn into a surreal bluish-purple carpet. That dramatic makeover is why Munnar becomes a pilgrimage spot for nature lovers during the blooming year.

A Plant That Exists Nowhere Else on Earth

One thing that surprised me was just how rare this little flower is.
Neelakurinji is endemic to the Western Ghats — meaning it grows only here and nowhere else in the world. These hills are its home, its birthplace, and its entire universe.

Seeing it today made me feel strangely protective, as if I was meeting a vulnerable species that thrives only in pockets of untouched wilderness.

A Bloom That Even Shapes Human Life

The Kurinji bloom isn’t just a botanical event — it has even influenced culture.
The Paliyan tribal community used the blooming cycle to calculate age. Instead of saying “I’m 24 years old,” they would say, “I’ve seen two kurinji blooms.” What a poetic way to measure life — imagine marking time in flowers instead of numbers.

Not Just a Pretty Flower

Here’s what I didn’t know until today:

Neelakurinji flowers are incredibly important for hill ecology.

They provide food for bees and help sustain honey production in the region.

After blooming, the plant dies, but new ones regenerate from seeds — continuing the 12-year cycle.

It’s almost like a festival of regeneration.

Nothing Like Seeing It in Person

I realised something today — reading about Neelakurinji is one thing, but seeing the plant up close in Munnar’s cool air, with the mountains rising around me, is entirely different.

Even though it’s not a mass-bloom year right now, just seeing the plant, touching the leaves, and knowing what it’s capable of every 12 years made the experience incredibly meaningful. It felt like meeting a celebrity — but a gentle, quiet one who doesn’t care for the spotlight except once every decade or so.

As I stood there, I felt grateful. Grateful that nature still has secrets. Grateful that patience is still rewarded. And grateful that I got to witness, even in its resting phase, a flower that has fascinated humans for centuries.

I’m already making a mental note: 2030 — return to Munnar.
Some dates are worth blocking years in advance.

One of the unexpected joys of staying here at the Neelakurinji Plantation Resort, tucked away an hour from Munnar, has been waking up to the sound of the Whistling Schoolboy. Every single morning—right at the crack of dawn—this little fellow takes it upon himself to be my personal alarm clock. And honestly? I don’t mind one bit.

There’s something magical about being in the middle of a remote plantation, wrapped in mist, with the air still cold enough to bite… and then suddenly hearing this clear, flute-like whistle echo through the valley. It’s almost as if the hills themselves are singing awake.

Over the last couple of days, curiosity got the better of me, and I started reading up about this charming bird. And wow—there’s so much more to it than just a sweet morning tune.

Who Exactly Is the Whistling Schoolboy?

Its real name is the Malabar Whistling Thrush, but the nickname Whistling Schoolboy comes from its uncanny ability to whistle in perfect, human-like notes. If you didn’t know better, you’d swear a person is warming up for choir practice somewhere in the forest.

Sometimes it whistles a single, long note. Sometimes it breaks into a series of short, playful tunes. And sometimes… it sounds like it’s calling your name. (True story: this morning, it genuinely sounded like it said “Kiruuuba!” Maybe the hills are teasing me!)

A Bird That Prefers to Be Heard, Not Seen

These birds are notoriously shy. You’ll hear them long before you catch a glimpse—and even then, spotting one is like winning a quiet little lottery. They prefer shady ravines, dense forests, and moist hillsides, which makes this mountain retreat the perfect hangout spot for them.

I’ve tried stepping out slowly with my camera, hoping to catch one in the open. No luck yet. They’re the introverts of the bird world.

Their Gorgeous Looks (If You Ever Manage to See One!)

If you do manage to spot one, you’re in for a treat. The Whistling Schoolboy has:

A deep, glossy blue-black plumage

Brilliant electric-blue shoulder patches

A confident, slightly mischievous look

They look like they’re dressed for an evening concert—even though their performance happens at sunrise.

Why They Whistle at Dawn

Apparently, early mornings are their favourite time to sing because the cool, still air helps their calls travel far across the valleys. Also, dawn is when they’re most territorial. So they whistle loudly as if saying, “Good morning, world. This hillside is mine.”

Honestly, I wish more creatures declared territory this musically!

A Fun Fact That Made Me Smile

These birds don’t just sing—they compose. Each individual has its own unique tune. So the schoolboy who woke me up today may be a completely different musician from the one who woke me up yesterday. A rotating choir of forest talent!

The Best Part of My Mornings Here

There’s something profoundly grounding about waking up to a sound that is so natural, so sweet, and so rooted in this land. No phone alarms. No traffic. No human hurry.

Just a bird with a melody and a forest echoing it back.

For years, I’ve heard people rave about the power of Morning Pages—that simple act of sitting down the moment you wake up and writing a few pages longhand. No rules. No expectations. Just your mind on paper.

Recently, Arun Verma, the founder of Creativegarh, someone I respect, nudged the participants at the life transformation retreat: “Start writing Morning Pages. It will declutter your mind and sharpen your focus.”
So here I am, a complete beginner, finally deciding to give this habit a genuine shot. And this blog post is both my commitment to myself and a guide for anyone else curious about starting.

Why Morning Pages?

I’m beginning this habit for a very simple reason: my mind is too full. Ideas, tasks, plans, worries — all jostling for space. Morning Pages promise a mental dusting. A way to empty out the clutter before the day even begins.

Many creators, entrepreneurs, and writers swear by it, and I’m hoping to tap into the same clarity.

How I’m Getting Started (Beginner Mindset)

Since I’m totally new to the practice, here are the best practices I’ve learned from others and decided to adopt:

1. Write the moment I wake up

Not after checking emails.
Not after scrolling Instagram.
Not after coffee.

Just wake up → pick up a pen → start writing.
Apparently, the groggy mind is honest, unfiltered, and raw — perfect for Morning Pages.

2. Three pages, longhand

Almost everyone recommends writing three full pages. Not typing. Writing by hand.
There’s something about the physical act that slows the mind and brings hidden thoughts to the surface.

3. Zero editing, zero judging

This is the hardest part for me.
I tend to evaluate every sentence I write.
But Morning Pages are supposed to be messy. Chaotic. Unpolished.
I’m training myself to simply let the hand move, even if what I write is absolute nonsense.

4. Keep a dedicated notebook

We were presented a simple long-size notebook only for Morning Pages.
This way, I don’t flip into to-do lists or meeting notes and get distracted.
When I pick it up, my brain knows: “This is the space where I can just be.”

5. Make it a ritual, not a task

I’m learning to treat it like brushing my teeth — automatic, non-negotiable, and part of my morning identity.
Some days the pages might flow. Other days they might grind. But the key is consistency.

What I Hope to Gain

While I’m just starting out, these are the benefits most Morning Pages practitioners talk about — and the ones I’m hoping will unfold in my life:

1. Mental clarity

I want that calm feeling of knowing I’ve emptied out all the noise.
If my brain feels lighter by 8 AM, that’s already a win.

2. Creative breakthroughs

People say surprising ideas show up when your guard is down.
I’m curious to see what thoughts will surface — ideas for talks, blog posts, farm projects, books… who knows?

3. Reduced stress

Writing out my worries might help me understand them better.
Sometimes, all a problem needs is to be seen on paper.

4. Better focus throughout the day

If Morning Pages help me start the day clean, maybe I can carry that sharpness into my work.

5. A deeper connection with myself

This is the part I’m most excited about.
Morning Pages are supposed to help you discover patterns, triggers, motivations, dreams — all the things we usually ignore in the rush of daily life.

What I’m Telling Myself as I Begin

I’m reminding myself of three simple truths:

1. It’s okay to be imperfect.
Morning Pages are not art. They’re honesty.

2. It’s okay to be inconsistent in the beginning.
Even if I miss a day, I’ll return the next morning.

3. This small habit might have a big impact.
Many people call it life-changing.
I’d love to experience even a fraction of that.

If You’re Starting Too…

Join me.
We can be beginners together.
All it takes is a notebook, a pen, and a willingness to sit with your own thoughts for a few minutes every morning.

My goal is simple: to show up on the page and see what unfolds.
If Morning Pages truly help transform my mind and my days, I’ll be sure to share the journey here on Kiruba.com.

Here’s to the first of many mornings.

From December 7 to December 13, I’ll be in the misty hills of Munnar at the stunningly peaceful Neelakurinji Plantation Resort, attending a life-transformation retreat called Creativegarh. The moment I signed up, I knew this wasn’t going to be “just another workshop.” This is a deliberate pause — a chance to step away from the familiar rhythm of my everyday life and spend a full week focusing on myself, my purpose, and the next version of who I want to become.

As I prepare for the retreat, I’ve been reflecting on how I can make the absolute most out of this experience. Here’s my personal roadmap — what I intend to do, how I plan to show up, and the mindset I want to carry with me.

1. Arrive With an Open, Beginner’s Mind

Even though I’ve done multiple workshops, coached others, and facilitated programs myself, I want to intentionally walk into Creativegarh as a blank slate. I’m leaving my assumptions, expertise, and identity at the door. I want to absorb, learn, and rediscover parts of myself without filters.

2. Disconnect to Reconnect

Munnar is known for its stunning landscapes — misty mornings, endless tea plantations, and a sense of poetic stillness. I want to honour that.
My plan is to limit phone usage, avoid unnecessary digital distractions, and allow my mind to slow down. When my days aren’t crowded with notifications, I can better listen to my inner voice.

3. Go All-In, Even if It Feels Uncomfortable

Transformation rarely happens inside comfort zones. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years conducting the Discomfort Project, it’s this: you grow the most when you lean into discomfort. At Creativegarh, I plan to fully participate in every activity — no holding back, no spectating. Whether it’s deep conversations, creative exercises, or self-reflective tasks, I’m going to show up with full energy.

4. Journal Every Day

I’m carrying a fresh notebook solely for this retreat.
Every night, I want to write down:

• insights
• emotions
• questions
• breakthroughs
• small shifts in thinking

Journaling becomes a bridge between learning and actual transformation. It turns fleeting thoughts into permanent clarity.

5. Seek Honest Internal Conversations

Retreats often bring suppressed questions to the surface. Instead of brushing them away, I want to sit with them.
Questions like:

What do I truly want?

What am I afraid to pursue?

What repeated patterns am I unconsciously stuck in?

What bold moves am I avoiding?

Creativegarh is giving me the space to explore these without judgement.

6. Engage Deeply With Fellow Participants

One of the biggest sources of learning comes from the people we share space with. I want to:

• listen more
• be genuinely curious
• share openly
• build meaningful bonds
• be helpful

Often, someone else’s story holds the mirror to our own.

7. Honour My Body and Health

Transformation requires energy — mental, emotional, and physical.
My plan:

• sleep well
• wake up early
• walk around the plantation resort
• eat mindfully
• hydrate
• stretch

A clear mind begins with a cared-for body.

8. Experiment With New Ideas Without Judging Them

Creativegarh encourages curiosity. I want to play with ideas without labelling them as “good,” “bad,” “practical,” or “too wild.”
Some of the best things in my life came from ideas that initially seemed bizarre.

9. Let Nature Do Its Magic

Munnar is naturally meditative. And the Neelakurinji Plantation Resort is blissful. I want to spend quiet time:

• watching the sunrise
• feeling the cold breeze
• observing the mountains
• sitting in silence

Nature has a way of reminding me what truly matters.

10. Have a Post-Retreat Action Plan

A retreat becomes transformative only when it influences life after the retreat.
So I’m keeping the last day (December 13) to outline:

• the habits I want to continue
• the projects I want to start
• the behaviours I want to drop
• the support systems I need

This way, Creativegarh won’t just be a beautiful memory, but a powerful turning point.

Final Thoughts

I’m not going to Munnar to escape life.
I’m going to understand it better, realign my compass, and return stronger, clearer, and more grounded.

If this retreat does what I hope it will, I’ll return with renewed clarity, deeper purpose, emotional lightness, creative energy.

And maybe, a new chapter begins.

Here’s to transformation, intentional living, and saying yes to the next version of myself.

 I’m documenting my resolutions right here so there’s nowhere to hide. I want to be accountable to you. Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Get Really Good at Digital Selling.

I’m rolling up my sleeves and diving deep into this. Every client we work with wants a direct impact on the bottomline. Move over, digital marketing. Digital selling is what’s important. I’ve been researching on this topic for long and the key learnings will find itself in a book soon.

2. Build an Awesome Kickarse Team.

Because let’s face it—success is never a solo sport. I need people who are smarter, faster, and wittier than me (yes, they exist) to join the squad. Together, we’re going to take this digital thing to the next level. Superhero capes optional but highly encouraged.

3. Master AI. Like, Really Master It.

AI isn’t just ChatGPT and memes about robots taking over. I’m going deep. Like “Can-I-get-a-PhD-for-this” deep. The goal? Boost productivity so much that I can take guilt-free breaks while the bots work their magic. (P.S. If this blog feels slightly robotic, it’s because AI is already my co-writer. Thanks, buddy!)

4. Lead a Healthy Life.

This is the big one. At 91 kgs, I’ve been carrying around a little more me than I’d like. The goal is to get down to 77 kgs with muscles that scream, “This guy means business!” Goodbye midnight snacks, hello green smoothies. Also, let’s take a moment to mourn my favorite biriyani joints.

5. Gift My Parents a Holiday in Singapore.

They’ve given me the world; the least I can do is send them to Singapore for some well-deserved pampering. If I could wrap Marina Bay Sands in a bow, I would.

6. Spend Quality Time with My Daughters.

They’re growing up faster than I can say “teenager tantrums.” So, in 2025, it’s all about being present. Whether it’s painting rainbows or deciphering Instagram trends, I’m all in. Soon, they’ll spread their wings, and I want to savor every second of these fleeting moments.

7. Learn Videography and Editing.

Video is king, they said. So, I’m grabbing my camera, learning the ropes, and starting a YouTube channel for Vaksana Farms. New videos, every Sunday at 9 AM sharp. (Expect bloopers—it’s my first rodeo.)

8. Build an Events Hall at Vaksana Farms.

We’ve got the land, the charm, and soon, an events hall! One workshop every month sounds dreamy, but here’s the twist—it’s going to be a profit center. Watch out, world; Vaksana Events is about to be the talk of the town.

9. Construct a Big Kitchen at Vaksana Farms.

Cooking for 100 people? Challenge accepted. This kitchen will be the envy of every farmhouse out there. Think masterchef-level, minus Gordon Ramsay yelling.

10. Get Camels and Pigs.

Why stop at cows and chickens when you can add camels and pigs? But first, a cozy shelter for our soon-to-be residents. With these, Vaksana Farms will be home to 15 species of animals. Noah’s Ark, who?

11. Restart Kiruba.TV Podcast.

Talking to passionate people lights me up. So, Kiruba.TV is coming back! Expect conversations that inspire, challenge, and maybe even make you tear up a little.

12. Read 12 Good Books.

Not just any books—ones that change the way I think, work, and live. And yes, actually practicing what I learn. Self-help enthusiasts, I’m coming for your recommendations.

13. Build My Global Speaking Business.

Speaking is an art and a business. I want to perfect both. The stage is my canvas, and 2025 is all about painting big, bold strokes on a global level.

14. Practice Daily Journaling.

There’s something profound about writing your thoughts daily. It’s therapy, reflection, and sometimes a comedy show starring my inner critic. Here’s to being mindful, thankful, and a tad more organized.

15. Restart Blogging at Kiruba.com.

Let’s bring back the good old days of sharing life’s highs, lows, and everything in between. If nothing else, it’s a digital diary for my future self to cringe at.

16. Practice Daily Meditation.

As someone with ADHD, meditation feels like trying to herd cats. But hey, challenges are fun, right? Here’s to silencing the chaos, one breath at a time.

—

2025, Here I Come!

If this list feels ambitious, that’s because it is. But resolutions are meant to push boundaries, right? Will I accomplish all of them? Only time will tell. What I do know is that the journey will be just as exciting as the destination. There’ll be triumphs, challenges, and maybe a few hilarious “oops” moments along the way. One thing’s for sure—2025 is going to be epic!

Now, speaking of ambitious goals…

Join the Bucketlist Bootcamp at Vaksana Farms

If you’re ready to supercharge your own resolutions and turn dreams into actionable plans, then you must check out the Bucketlist Bootcamp and Mastermind 2025 happening on January 25 & 26 at Vaksana Farms. This is not your typical event—it’s a transformative experience designed to help you gain crystal-clear clarity on your biggest goals and create a roadmap to achieve them.

We’re handpicking a small group of highly inspired individuals to join this exclusive cohort. It’s all about surrounding yourself with like-minded achievers who will challenge, support, and push you to be the very best version of yourself.

Plant a sapling to symbolize your growth, spend two immersive days refining your vision, and kick off a year-long mastermind where we’ll meet quarterly to track progress and celebrate milestones.

Sound like something you’d love? Then apply now at www.VaksanaFarms.in/bucketlist. Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Let’s make 2025 the year you achieve your life’s biggest goals.

See you at Vaksana Farms, ready to dream big and achieve bigger!

2025 has officially become the year where choosing a phone feels like picking the next ruler of the galaxy. Every Android flagship promises to revolutionize your life (or at least empty your wallet). So, I set out to find the one—the phone to rule them all. Spoiler alert: my journey involved equal parts awe and existential crisis.

Here are the contenders that had me juggling between specs, aesthetics, and sheer “wow” factor:

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

This is the phone you call when you want it all—and then some. With a 200MP camera and a periscope zoom capable of spying on your neighbor’s secret garden, the S25 Ultra screams “excess in the best way.” Rumor has it, it’s even smart enough to remind you to call your mom.

2. Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Xiaomi’s newest gem is like that one overachieving kid in school who’s great at everything. Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor? Check. 120W fast charging? Check. A design that makes you question why your phone looks like a potato? Also, check. Its 1-inch camera sensor might even make your selfies look like they belong in a museum.

3. OnePlus 13 Pro

OnePlus has leveled up, folks. This beauty boasts a custom display that adjusts to sunlight faster than you can say “flagship killer.” Plus, the beloved alert slider stays put because, unlike my gym routine, OnePlus knows how to stick to the essentials.

4. Vivo X200 Pro

The Vivo X200 Pro is where style meets power. With a camera setup that whispers, “I’ll make you an Instagram influencer,” it features advanced image processing and jaw-dropping video stabilization. Add in a super AMOLED screen so vibrant it might double as a flashlight, and you’ve got a phone that’s as fun as it is functional.

5. OPPO Find X8 Ultra

With its sleek design and cinematic video capabilities, the OPPO Find X8 Ultra feels more like a director’s toolkit than a phone. Perfect for slow-motion TikToks of you dramatically sipping your morning coffee or pretending to be the main character at sunset.

After hours of research (and a few YouTube unboxings), I’m still undecided. Do I go for Samsung’s overpowered behemoth? Xiaomi’s tech wonder? Or Vivo’s style icon? It’s enough to make me wish for simpler times—when phones just had keypads.

What about you? Which of these phones would you choose, or is there an underrated gem I’ve missed? Drop your pick in the comments—I could use some crowd-sourced decision-making before the next flagship launch.

I just finished hosting the 5th edition of Techspectations, Kerala’s largest digital summit. I’ve hosted all five editions since its inception. While it is a professional engagement (I am a professional speaker), I find anchoring Techspectations very fulfilling because it helps me to connect with some of the best brains in the technology and digital industry.

After every edition of Techspecttions, I come back home heavily energized to try creative stuff and inspired to be ambitious. At the same time, I also learned the importance of humility.

The next edition will be in two years, and I can’t wait to get back on stage.